Complete mitochondrial genome of a bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), along with phylogenetic considerations

Abstract:

The bat-eared fox, Otocyon megalotis, is the only member of its genus and is thought to occupy a basal
position within the dog family. These factors can lead to challenges in complete mitochondrial reconstructions
and accurate phylogenetic positioning. Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial
genome of the bat-eared fox recovered using shotgun sequencing and iterative mapping to three distantly
related species. Phylogenetic analyses placed the bat-eared fox basal in the Canidae family within
the clade including true foxes (Vulpes) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes) with high support values. This
position is in good agreement with previously published results based on short fragments of mitochondrial
and nuclear genes, therefore adding more support to the basal positioning of the bat-eared fox
within Canidae.